Dog Diaper Rash – How To Treat and Prevent

Dog diaper rash is an unpleasant and uncomfortable condition caused by urine burns or "urine scald" due to wearing dog diapers.

It is a wonderful thing that our canine friends are living longer than ever but aging is often accompanied by complex and frustrating problems. 

Among these is dog incontinence.

For various reasons older pets often struggle with controlling their bathroom habits, resulting in unpleasant “accidents” around the house, urine leakage and dribbling.

In these cases, pet parents often turn to diapers to help control the mess. Some younger pets can also need diapers as incontinence can occur with various other diseases, hormone imbalances or even just a resistance to “potty training”.

What is Exactly is Dog Diaper Rash?

While diapers are a logical solution to incontinence, they can also result in some unwanted side effects, particularly “diaper rash”.

Diaper rash is a term used to describe a medical condition called moist dermatitis. 

Moist dermatitis just means irritation secondary to the accumulation of moisture around the skin.

In dogs who wear diapers this is usually secondary to urine scald, which occurs when the irritating ammonia compounds in the urine rest up against the skin and create a localized burn.

This is worsened by the humid environment and lack of ventilation under the diaper. 

Diaper rash can cause redness and inflammation as well as fur loss, pain and in some instances, dogs can develop a secondary bacterial infection in the area.

It is important to note that some incontinence can be resolved or at least managed with medication or procedures. 

If your dog has not been evaluated for the possible medical causes of the incontinence, it is important to take them for a checkup before starting a diaper routine.

What Does Dog Diaper Rash Look Like?

If your diaper-donning fur-friend is starting to develop any redness, scabbing, fur loss or seems uncomfortable, they may have diaper rash.

 Dogs do not always make it easy to know when they are uncomfortable but signs like whining, decreased energy, decreased excitement for walks or meals, “scooting” or chewing at the diaper indicate it is time to take some action.

Dog Diaper Rash - How To Treat and Prevent

There are some easy things that can be done at home to help prevent and manage diaper rash should it occur.

One of the biggest factors for diaper rash severity is time.

The longer the skin stays moist and incontact with irritating urine, the worse it will be. One of the best ways to avoid this is to provide as much diaper free time as possible. 

If your dog is a good sleeper, allowing them to sleep on a puppy pad (over a dog bed) or other absorbent surface instead of in the diaper at night is a great way to give the skin some air.

It is also important to maintain good “diaper hygiene”. Just like with a baby, diapers should be changed as frequently as possible. If there is no irritation, a very plain, hypoallergenic baby wipe can be used to gently clean the skin between changes.

Make sure to let the area dry before placing a new diaper!

Washes / Shampoos For Dog Diaper Rash

If you suspect diaper rash is starting to develop or it is a chronic issue for your pet, using an antiseptic wash that contains chlorhexadine 1-2 times a week can help prevent infections.

Washes or shampoos that contain chlorhexadine can be purchased from most online and in-store pet outlets. Remember: the genital skin can be very sensitive, so it is important to dilute the mixture with lots of water to prevent any additional irritation.

Another good preventative measure is to carefully trim any long hair in the area. If your dog has a short coat, do not shave the skin!

If your dog has longer hair, however, it can wick urine from the diaper and
bring it closer to the skin. Trimming any excess fur can make it more comfortable for your pet to wear the diaper and reduce the ability to absorb fluid.

If your pet gets groomed frequently you can also ask them to perform a “sanitary” cut and do this for you.

While it may be tempting to grab some diaper cream meant for babies in order to treat the area, this is not advised!

Many human formulations contain ingredients like Zinc Oxide which can be highly TOXIC to dogs, particularly when ingested.

An ointment that is acceptable is something called Silver Sulfadiazine.

his has natural antibiotic properties and can soothe the skin. This can be applied gently to any irritated areas after cleaning and drying the area.

Be sure to not oversaturate the skin with cream.

In area where the fur is thin or non-existent, a very thin coating of Vaseline can also help protect the skin. This should not be applied if there is an active infection so as not to lock in the bacteria. 

If your dog is uncomfortable and attempting to chew or lick at the area, an Elizabethan collar can also be purchased from most pet stores to prevent them from reaching it. 

Mild diaper rash should resolve in a few days to a week and your pet should only be in mild discomfort.

Dog Diaper Rash - When To See a Vet

Many very mild cases of diaper rash can be resolved at home with some gentle cleaning and by giving the skin a rest.

There are times, however, when diaper rash can progress and result in more intense problems. This occurs particularly when infection sets in.

Bacteria and yeast that live normally on a dog’s  skin, mouth and feces love to thrive in moist areas and can overgrow and cause serious infection if left untreated. 

In addition to being red and uncomfortable, infected skin can have other characteristics. 

If you notice any yellow or other abnormal discharge from the skin, crusting of the skin or even an unpleasant odor that is more than just the smell of urine, it may be evidence of an infection. 

Infected skin may also slough away or bleed.

If these symptoms develop or even just mild irritation has not resolved or improved after a few days, you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible. 

Testing to determine what is growing in the area as well as antibiotics, other topical treatments and pain medication may be needed to resolve  the issue.  

Another reason to visit the vet is if you notice your pet displaying any new urinary issues.

Dog Diaper Rash and Urinary Tract Infections, Health Conditions

In addition to  skin disease, diapers can pre-dispose patients to urinary tract infections when the local bacteria ascends the urinary tract into the bladder.

Symptoms of a UTI include increased frequency of urination, blood in the urine, straining to urinate, licking of the genitalia and in some cases even increased drinking.

Since dogs that wear diapers and/or are incontinent can make these symptoms a bit more difficult to notice it  is important to pay attention to any subtle changes.  

*Some dogs with certain conditions should not wait to seek care even when symptoms are mild.

Pets with diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid conditions or adrenal disease often have trouble fighting infections and things can go from mild to severe in a very short time. 

If your pet has any of these conditions do not hesitate to have them seen by a veterinarian at the first sign of trouble.

In Closing

With some extra attention and care, dogs can live happy and comfortable lives even if they have to wear a diaper! 

The key is to use the tips provided in this article to mitigate possible complications of prolonged diaper wearing.

Hopefully these tips will help you feel more confident and comfortable when managing a diapered pet.

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